Valuing wilderness : an analysis of the public submissions to the proposed helicopter/floatplane landing sites in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

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Fry, Jennifer Lyn
(2001)
Valuing wilderness : an analysis of the public submissions to the proposed helicopter/floatplane landing sites in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Unspecified thesis, University of Tasmania.

Abstract

The subjective nature of a wilderness experience and wilderness definition makes itimperative that managers of wilderness areas understand the views held bystakeholders, their experience levels and demographic profile. This studydemonstrates the values, needs, characteristics and behaviours of the respondents tothe Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service's (2000) call for submissions to thehelicopter and floatplane landing sites issue in the Tasmanian Wilderness WorldHeritage Area.A phenomenological approach is taken in order to classify the wilderness valuesidentified in the submissions. In addition to the official responses, data is taken froma follow-up survey conducted on the respondents to determine experience levels and ademographic profile. The follow-up survey seeks to clarify the wilderness valuesheld by the stakeholders.Clear demographic and experience profiles emerge from the study. The respondentsare identified as being 35-54 years of age, hold managerial or professionaloccupations, and have completed tertiary education. Respondents are veryexperienced, self-reliant recreationalists and have participated in at least oneself-reliant recreational activity in the last 12 months.The stakeholders believe that wilderness should be completely protected. The reasonsbehind this need for protection constitute the stakeholders' wilderness values.Wilderness values that are identified in the study include: Gymnasium, Rarity,Wilderness as Protected Landscape, Life Support, and Intrinsic Values. The findingshave implications for best practice management of the Tasmanian Wilderness WorldHeritage Area.

Item Type:

Thesis
(Unspecified)

Keywords:

Conservation of natural resources, National parks and reserves, Wilderness areas